Audi developing another second-use for EV batteries in India with EV Rickshaws

Audi has been working with the non-profit organization Numan in India for some time to develop second-chance uses for EV batteries. Previously, the Audi Environmental Foundation and Numan worked to develop lighting for the stalls of fifty shopkeepers using batteries from test vehicles to power the stalls allowing them to work into the night and to potentially extend the selling day. But Audi is testing these new uses for used batteries in unconventional ways that could ultimately hit the "mainstream." One such new "product" is the electric rickshaw shown here. These EV rickshaws would allow more drivers (especially women) to get folks around in a quick and easy, non-polluting ways. They are even looking into "third" uses for the batteries, like powering LED lighting, before sending the battery to be broken down and recycled. So the switch to EVs from ICE vehicles will also find new uses for electrical energy storage units even further reducing gas-powered product pollution. The future looks bright(er), pun intended. For more information, check out the media release, and another gif by selecting "read more" below. Enjoy!

Source: Audi - Media release, pics, and gifs

Audi releases Q4 EV crossover and Sportback into the wild

Audi is releasing the fourth and fifth models of their e-tron family, the Q4 e-tron (above) and the Q4 e-tron Sportback (below). The "base" Q4 e-tron is the Q4 e-tron 40 that comes with a 201 hp motor, an 82 kWh battery pack, and fast charging with prices starting at $43,900 plus taxes, license, fees, destination and minus any state and federal incentives (Audi still qualifies for the $7,500 federal incentive assuming you do). EPA-range estimates are still to be determined. I guess only the Q4 e-tron 50s (regular and sportback) will be available in the beginning. The Q4 e-tron 50s get dual motors rated at 295 hp with the same 82 kWh battery pack (and fast charging), all-wheel drive, 0-60 in under 7 seconds, and an EPA-rated 241 miles of range (100e city/89e combined/81e highway). If these numbers sound similar to what's available in the VW iD4 you wouldn't be wrong but the Q4 is a nicer place to be. And more expensive. I apologize for the quality of the interior shot (taken from the configurator), but you get Audi's typical high-quality interior fitments. The Q4 e-tron 50 starts at $49,900 +/- and the Sportback version starts at $52,700 +/-. Of course there are lots of trim choices, options and options packages for you to spend your hard-earned dollars. Click on "read more" to view the media release (with configurator links), a couple of additional pics, and two brief videos. The all-new Q4 e-tron models should be at your local dealer anytime. Check it out...so Audi, where's the Q2 e-tron EV?

Source: Audi - Media release, pics, and videos (2)

Audi shows the grandsphere concept at IAA

What you see here is the second of the "sphere" concepts revealed by Audi, the Audi grandsphere. (the first was the skysphere - with the adjustable wheelbase - which I didn't care for, so I passed on covering it.)  But the grandsphere concept (yes Audi is still doing the lower-case name thing) is Audi's luxury vision of the future with stand-out styling and a private-jet-inspired interior. The interior uses the latest (and future) technology to create a comfortable environment that allows...well a lot. Make dinner and entertainment reservations, watch your favorite movies and TV, relax while the car gets you to your destination and keeps you updated. The steering wheel parks in a binnacle in the dash for fully autonomous driving. I mean you wouldn't want your reclined seat to hit the steering wheel, right? Completely overlooking the socio-economic issues this vehicle brings up, it is nice to see Audi stretch themselves with a forward-looking concept. The concept is sleek and beautiful even if the grille is kind of a misstep that a little black or matte gray paint couldn't fix. No specs were given, but then why should they guess what will be available when this car might see production. Could this be an e-tron luxury sedan? Click on "read more" to view the extensive media release, a grille pic and a steering wheel hidden pic, and two videos. The first one is the unveiling video that is long, but goes into detail about the car's features and the second just shows off the concept. Enjoy! As Audi says, "First class toward the future..."

Source" Audi - Media release, pics, and videos (2)

Audi adds new S model to e-tron and e-tron Sportback EVs

What's wrong with a little more performance? Nothing really and Audi has cranked up the power on the e-tron (foreground above) and e-tron Sportback (background above) for 2022. The new layout provides three (count 'em 3) motors to propel the vehicles with 496 horsepower and a whopping 718 lb-ft of torque, getting 0-60 mph times in an estimated 4.3 seconds. You get one motor in the front and two at each wheel on the rear axle which can provide better power delivery and control (what with slippage and all that) not to mention quattro all-wheel drive. Besides the additional power, e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback models get new tech like the standard 12.3 inch virtual cockpit, 3D satellite navigation, traffic light information, LTE Wi-Fi, top-view camera, active lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and much more. Click on "read more" below to view all the details in the media release and to view the "drifting" video. All this goodness will take a bite out of the bank account though with e-tron S Premium Plus models starting at $84,800 (plus taxes, license, fees, and $1,095 destination) moving on to the top e-tron S Sportback Prestige at $92,400. Yep, they better be special when you start hitting six figures and these two are...special. They're good-looking, fast, and electric with all of Audi's (and parent VW's) latest tech and the EV kit including fast charging, etc. One thing that surprised me when I saw an e-tron in person is just how large the vehicle is. The pics are kinda deceiving but this is a luxury, performance EV with a great interior (pic below is of the standard e-tron). So if you've got the dough or a large enough credit line, Audi has provided you with two new EV choices with deliveries in the US starting this Fall. Decisions, decisions...

Source: Audi - Media release, pics,

Audi e-tron GT quattro - Update

Audi's e-tron GT was released recently and should be appearing on pavement near you very soon. While they don't mention it anywhere, the e-tron GT appears to share a platform and some mechanicals with brother-company Porsche's Taycan sport EV. But Audi seems to have gotten the styling just about right with the e-tron GT and upcoming RS version (RS models are more performance oriented versions of Audi vehicles). The Taycan had some odd styling choices when I first saw it several years ago at an auto show, but it has been updated and the new Turismo (wagon-esque) version of the Taycan is striking. But Audi went with low and sleek in a four-door coupe design you could lust after. Audi seems to have become the design/styling powerhouse in the VW family of vehicles. Expect big power from the electric motors and quattro all-wheel drive, fast charging, and zero emissions. Standard features and options include Bang & Olefson premium audio, adjustable sport suspension, Audi laser lights, and much more. One odd thing that the e-tron GT shares with the Taycan is the two-speed differential. Most EVs don't have this feature or need it, but it seems to be a specific way to get higher top speeds for bragging rights and the Autobahn. Seems like additional items that would need servicing, which most EVs need little of (or no servicing) which is a high point of EV ownership. Also Audi has added a noise system with interior and exterior speakers to transmit sound because I guess driving a beautiful car isn't enough for the "look-at-me crowd." The Porsche Taycan's price can approach the mid six-figure range in top models, but the e-tron GT's pricing should hover around $100k making it a little more "affordable." The media release gets into the specifics (for Euro models) regarding charging rates, power output, etc. so check it out after the jump not to mention additional pics and an intro video. Enjoy. Update: Evidently there is an entry-level Taycan that is priced similarly to the "base" e-tron GT, but like many of these cars, few are sold without numerous upgrades.

Source: Audi - Media release, pics, and intro video after the "read more" jump

Solar nanogrids in development with Audi Environmental Foundation and India's Numan

As we make the switch from ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles to EVs, many have wondered what will happen to EV batteries after they've reached their useful life in vehicles. Some will be recycled for their minerals and metals, etc. and others that still have 2/3rds of their performance can be formatted for use like these seen here. The Audi Environmental Foundation has been working with India's non-profit Numan to work on these alternative solutions. Audi took two batteries from e-Tron test vehicles and used them to power the stalls of fifty shopkeepers allowing them to work into the night. “In parts of Uttar Pradesh, hours-long power outages regularly make life difficult for the people who live there,” says the 30-year-old cofounder of Nunam, Prodip Chatterjee. While visiting family, he came up with the idea to complement the electricity supply with mobile second-life energy storage systems to ensure that important everyday items such as lamps continue to work. Shops are open late in the rural area – without light, many tradespeople lose their source of income. Using solar energy in coordination with the local power company, this beta programs is proving to be successful (the first program used laptop batteries). This type of system could be life-saving in the future (think Texas last month) not to mention life-expanding for the "third world." Tesla has been successful deploying their battery-storage systems around the globe. Now Audi is working to develop programs that give EV batteries more life. More to come I'm sure... Media release and video after the jump.

Source: Audi - Media release, pics and video (after the "read more" jump)

Audi fulfills many EV dreams with the all-new e-tron Gran Turismo (GT)

See. Dreams can come true. Audi has released the first images and info about it's upcoming e-tron GT  (Gran Turismo) EV supercar. While it looks like it might share some DNA with Porsche's Taycan EV, there is no evidence other than look to suggest this plus the e-tron GT will share limited production on the same assembly line with Audi's R8 in Neckarsulm, Germany. Yes folks, this concept is headed for (limited) production. Expect incredible performance and luxury from Audi's latest addition to the e-tron family. Production is slated to start at the end of 2020. So, more info and pics will be coming closer to the e-tron GT's release date in 2021. More to come... Enjoy the video...

Source: Audi/YouTube - Media release and video

Audi adds e-tron Sportback coupe to EV line-up

 

Audi is adding to its e-tron line-up of vehicles with the new e-Tron Sportback. The new Sportback e-tron adds a little bit of style to Audi's mid-size(ish) crossover. The fastback five-door SUV/crossover mrket was originally started by BMW and naysayers sota, well, laughed. When sales took off, no one was laughing except maybe BMW. Now everyone is making five-door coupe versions of their crossovers. This just happens to be a good-looking one. It satisfies the need some have for a tallish five-door, but one that doesn't look like your mother's station wagon or SUV. Best of both worlds, right? The Audi e-tron is a middling EV in terms of range and charging. The Sportback has an  EPA-rated range of 218 miles and can be charged at the rate of 150kwh giving you a full-charge (100%) in nine hours from empty. An around town charge can be achieved in about 30 minutes. In other words, if you need a full charge, do it over night. Rates are lower then anyway. Kinda like getting premium for the price of regular. The e-tron Sportback makes 355 hp (402 in boost mode) and hits sixty from a standstill in 5.5 seconds. Not Tesla fast, but fast enough for most. The EPA gives the e-tron Sportback an mpge (miles per gallon equivalent) rating of 76/78/77 (city, combined, highway). And, since charging is much cheaper than an oil-based fill-up, you end up saving bucks. Audi provides 1000 kwh of charging (about 2500 miles) at Electrify America for free to new owners. Audi even offers a 240-volt home charging set-up through Amazon Home Services to get you going. As long as your electrics are set-up to handle 240, then you won't face any electrician bills for home charging. It's cheaper to charge at home especially if you have solar. Then it's kinda free. Hmmm. Anyway, the e-tron Sportback gets you style, German electronics, and a killer interior. But all of this good stuff doesn't come cheap. The Presmium-Plus Sportback starts at $77,400., and gets you Bang & Olufsen premium audio, Audi adaptive cruise assist, 12-way heated and cooled seats, and more. The Prestige model jumps to $83,400 and adds a Heads-up display with navigation, full leather package, an air quality system and yes, even more. The Edition One package (limited to 200 units) starts at $88, 495 and adds special Blue Plasma paint and blue leather interior, 21-inch wheels and even more. These prices are not for the faint of heart or wallet. The Audi e-tron Sportback should be at your local dealer now, but check first before you head on down cause you never know these days. For lots more info and one pic click on the "read more" jump. I like this one, you?

Source: Audi - Pics and media release

Audi shows all-new Q2 compact crossover ahead of intro

 

Crossovers are important to automakers. Crossovers are the vehicles that consumers seem to want most. So it comes as no surprise that Audi has updated its popular compact crossover, the Q2. The right-sized (for me anyway) Q2 gets sharpened styling and the latest electronic tricks from Audi's bag-o-stuff bringing technology and features previously only seen on Audi's larger cars. (Audi seems to get that even if you want the smaller size, you want all the goodies.) The new Q2 continues the tradition of efficiency, performance, and class-leading styling. Various gas and diesel engines will be available at the Q2's intro along with the full electronics suite either as standard or optional (often in groups). I like the styling of the current Q2 so this "sharpened" new edition is a step in the right direction. There is lots of info in the press release (with additional pics) for your perusal after the jump. Obviously, things may change before it reaches production and makes it to the US. Audi is anticipating a price point starting around $30k in the US. My one question is, where are the hybrid and EV versions of this car. It's not like Audi's parent, Volkswagen, doesn't have the equipment/technology. I guess they are focusing on the VW iD3 roll-out. Maybe Audi will electrify the Q2 in the future. We can only hope and I know if at least one person that would be interested in that vehicle. More after the jump...

Source: Audi for all pics and info

TA.b - Tesla Talk 5.20c

While I've been angry with Elon Muxk and his mouth (fingers?) of late, I must call him out when he goes overboard and when he is right. With this decision, I think he's right.

It has been reported today in two automotive sites ( 1, 2,) that Tesla has decided to build the next Terafactory (up from Gigafactory) in Austin, Texas. That is smart on so many levels. Tesla already has a presence in Austin with an office for AutoPilot programmers and it is smart to build a category-defying truck in the heart of what could be called truckville. Toyota and others build trucks in Texas btw. Hard for haters to hate if they (or their families) are putting the new Cybertruck together. Yes Tesla's bold electric Cybertruck will roll off the Austin assembly lines along with a few Model Ys. I think the Tesla shorts are kicking themselves yet again since Tesla will now have five factories around the globe (including the battery factory in Nevada) with Fremont, Shanghai, Berlin, and now Austin. Build 'em where they buy and use 'em.

Electrec.co (a daily read of mine) even posted about the dust-up around Musk's Tweets (twits) allowing that many of the Tesla faithful were upset or disappointed, but that a fringe group of Tesla folk (Poor Elon! Why are they picking on him?) have Musk's ear, unfortunately.

While I felt somewhat threatened by his actions in Fremont since I'm at risk for COVID-19, his screaming of 45's and the right-wing's arguments was like rubbing salt in an open wound. Time will tell, y'all, time will tell.